Singer, songwriter, and actress Demi Lovato recently appeared on Penn Badgley’s podcast, Podcrushed, where they discussed their ongoing journey with eating disorder recovery, embracing their gender identity, and finding comfort in balancing both masculine and feminine energy.
Navigating Body Image and Recovery
Lovato, known for their openness about mental health advocacy, provided an honest update on managing their body image and mental well-being. They emphasized their commitment to recovery from bulimia, a journey they have been on for over five years.
“I have a treatment team that I work with that helps me stay in recovery,” Lovato shared with Badgley. They detailed their approach to recovery, which includes professional support from a nutritionist and a therapist specializing in eating disorders.
Embracing Body Acceptance
Beyond body positivity, Lovato is actively working towards body acceptance. They acknowledged the struggle of reaching a point of unconditional self-love, expressing that body positivity can feel unattainable at times.
Lovato shared a powerful realization, stating, “This body is strong…This body saved my life and fought for my life when I overdosed. This body is a miracle.” This realization is a testament to their commitment to honoring their body’s strength and resilience throughout their journey.
Reflecting on ‘Child Star’ and Exploring Child Fame
The Podcrushed interview follows the release of Lovato’s Hulu documentary, Child Star. The film delves into their personal experiences with early fame and features conversations with other celebrities who navigated similar paths, including Christina Ricci, Drew Barrymore, and Jojo Siwa.
Lovato’s companion single for the film, “You’ll Be OK, Kid,” further explores the complexities of childhood fame and its lasting impact.
Finding Freedom in Gender Expression
During the podcast, Lovato also discussed their evolving relationship with gender identity. Since coming out as non-binary in 2021, they have shed the pressure of conforming to a hyper-feminine image, a decision that brought a sense of liberation.
Lovato shared, “I really shed that image of that hyper-feminine pop star that I had been for so many years. I cut all my hair off and it was really freeing for me.” This act of self-expression marked a significant step in embracing their authentic self.
Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energy
Lovato expressed feeling comfortable embracing both masculine and feminine energy, acknowledging the presence of both within them. This balanced approach to gender expression reflects their journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
“I feel masculine and feminine. I have both energies in me,” Lovato explained. They acknowledged previously shunning their feminine energy and are now actively embracing both sides of their identity.
The candid conversation between Badgley and Lovato provides a glimpse into the artist’s ongoing journey of self-discovery, resilience, and advocacy. Lovato’s willingness to openly discuss their experiences with eating disorder recovery, gender identity, and the pressures of fame encourages important dialogues surrounding mental health and self-acceptance.
